Fun for geography freaks

> Posted by Ken Kaye on February 6, 2008 11:46 AM

Today we roll out a new occasional feature here at KK’s Storm Center: dueling forecasts.

This will entail relaying the weather forecast for different parts of the world and comparing it with our local conditions.

This should provide some perspective on our lovely climate here in South Florida. It should be fun for geography freaks, such as myself. And, most importantly, it will furnish some actual weather information rather than idle banter.

Let’s start with Fairbanks, Alaska, since it’s so incredibly cold there this time of year. Today’s forecast calls for a high temperature of 20 to 30 degrees below zero with dense ice fog and a low of 30 to 50 degrees below zero.

In short, it’s not a good ice cream day in central Alaska. Steaming-hot coffee is more like it.

Some interesting tidbits about Fairbanks: Even though winter temperatures can plunge to 65 degrees below zero, summer temperatures can reach 90 degrees -- a difference of 155 degrees!

Some of the local restaurants include the Bear 'n' Seal Grill, the Elf's Den and Mama C's Moose Creek Kitchen, which specializes in ... fried chicken and grilled steaks.

Our South Florida forecast, meanwhile, calls for afternoon highs in the mid 80s and lows tonight in the high 60s (above zero). It also should be breezy, with gusts to 22 mph, with a 10 percent chance of rain, the National Weather Service in Miami said.

Because of the wind, a small craft advisory has been issued until 7 p.m. today and there is a moderate risk of rip currents at the beaches.

If you’d like to see the forecast for a particular city or region, let me know.